Donaldson Foundation
The Donaldson Foundation is a private foundation based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Donaldson’s primary philanthropic vehicle. Founded in 1966 and led by a volunteer employee board, it supports education in communities where Donaldson employees live and work. The Foundation reports distributing $1.35 million to nonprofit organizations in fiscal year 2025.
Donaldson Foundation at a glance
In short: Donaldson Foundation gave $1.3M across 73 grants in 2025 (avg $18K), mostly in Minnesota. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $1,340,160
- +12.5% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 73
- +28.1% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $18,358
- -12.2% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $10,000
- Total assets
- $9,150,903
- +62.1% vs 2024
- Primary geography
- Minnesota (79% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2025 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2025; updated October 2026.
How to apply to Donaldson Foundation
- How to Apply
-
The Foundation’s website instructs applicants to submit the Minnesota Common Grant Application, a proposal, and proof of 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. Its 2024 filing describes a written proposal that includes the organization’s purposes, officers and directors, the proposed program or project, progress toward the goal, a budget, and contributors; it also requests the IRS letter confirming the applicant is not a private foundation. The filing says applicants must qualify for tax exemption, must not be private foundations, and that the Foundation does not fund individuals, religious purposes, organizations seeking to influence specific legislation, or associations that participate or intervene in political campaigns.
- Review Cycle
- The website lists two recurring cycles: August 1 and January 10 proposal-submission deadlines, with organizational funding scheduled for January 31 and July 31, respectively. The 2024 filing states that there are no deadlines.
- Deadline
- The website lists two recurring cycles: August 1 and January 10 proposal-submission deadlines, with organizational…
- Contact
Application contact: Laura Russell
Mailing address: PO Box 1299, Minneapolis, MN 55440-1299
Phone: (952) 887-3131
Email: laura.russell@donaldson.com
Website: https://donaldson.com
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
1 open opportunity from Donaldson Foundation
Who Donaldson Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Greater Twin Cities United Way ($205K). Together the top 10 received $780K.
Grant Size Distribution
234 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 210 grants of 234 (90%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The Foundation says eligible organizations should be in the Bloomington, Minnesota, area, including Minneapolis–St. Paul, or in listed U.S. cities where Donaldson has a significant presence: Anderson and Frankfort, Indiana; Auburn, Alabama; Baldwin and Stevens Point, Wisconsin; Chesterfield, Chillicothe, and Harrisonville, Missouri; Cresco and Waterloo, Iowa; Dixon, Illinois; Durham, North Carolina; Greeneville, Tennessee; Ivyland, Pennsylvania; Monticello, Nicholasville, and Rensselaer; and Waterloo, Iowa. The 2025 filing reports that 79% of grant dollars went to Minnesota recipients, 6% to Wisconsin, 5% to Iowa, 4% to Tennessee, and 3% to Illinois.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 73 itemized grants.
States
Cities
How Donaldson Foundation gives
- 33% of 2025 grantees were also funded in 2024. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2022 to 2025 (+12%). Method
- In 2025 it paid out 302% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2025). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $1.1M (2021) to $1.3M (2025). In 2025 it made 73 grants totaling $1.3M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Greater Twin Cities United Way Minneapolis, MN | general support | $205,000 |
| Special Olympics St. Paul, MN | Contribution provided | $150,000 |
| Scholarship America Minneapolis, MN | Educational scholarships | $133,000 |
| Boys Girls Clubs TC St. Paul, MN | Contribution provided | $100,000 |
| Science Museum of MN St. Paul, MN | general support | $50,000 |
| Normandale Community College Foundation Bloomington, MN | Contribution provided | $30,000 |
| PACER Center Inc Bloomington, MN | Contribution provided | $30,000 |
| United Way of Clinton County Clinton, IA | general support | $29,290 |
| Greene Local Education Advancement Foundation Greeneville, TN | Contribution provided | $28,000 |
| Jr Achieve East Iowa Cedar Rapids, IA | general support | $25,000 |
Ready to take the next step with Donaldson Foundation?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
EIN: 41-6052950.
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Qualifying Distributions | Net Investment Income | Distributable Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $9,150,903 | $4,372,334 | $1,350,025 | $1,340,160 | 73 | $1,340,160 | $362,469 | $444,198 |
| 2024 | $5,645,336 | $1,255,016 | $1,200,025 | $1,191,195 | 57 | $1,191,195 | $246,186 | $262,762 |
| 2023 | $5,960,696 | $3,095,478 | $1,200,025 | $1,191,330 | 34 | $1,191,330 | $86,733 | $264,188 |
| 2022 | $4,040,416 | $1,003,433 | $1,201,876 | $1,195,551 | 39 | $1,195,551 | — | $214,821 |
| 2021 | $4,242,253 | $3,751,788 | $1,156,575 | $1,149,813 | 31 | — | — | $127,616 |
| 2020 | $1,719,715 | $1,026,516 | $1,200,083 | $1,193,263 | 34 | — | $19,696 | $79,615 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Donaldson Foundation reported a distributable amount of $444K for 2025 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The Foundation’s mission is to positively impact communities by supporting and investing in education. Its website says it prioritizes education-focused programs, a strong connection to Donaldson communities, and the needs of those served, with an emphasis on impactful programs over general operating expenses. More than half of its funding supports organizational grants.
Its 2025 grantees included organizations with varied education-related missions. For example, Normandale Community College Foundation says it provides financial support to help make college achievable; PACER Center says it works to improve educational opportunities for children and young adults with disabilities and their families; and The Works says it creates hands-on engineering experiences to inspire young innovators and problem solvers. Wallin Education Partners describes its work as supporting college and career success for high-potential students from low-income backgrounds.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2025, the Foundation reported 73 grants totaling $1,340,160. Individual grants ranged from $350 to $205,000, with a median of $10,000. Its website states that awards average $5,000 to $20,000.
The largest reported 2025 grants included $205,000 to Greater Twin Cities United Way for general support; $150,000 to Special Olympics; $133,000 to Scholarship America for educational scholarships; $100,000 to Boys Girls Clubs TC; and $50,000 to Science Museum of MN for general support. Other reported grants included $30,000 each to Normandale Community College Foundation and PACER Center, and $25,000 each to Jr Achieve East Iowa, Dunwoody College of Technology, and The Works.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Lori Schmidt as president, David Green as treasurer, and Mark Chamberlain as secretary.
Donaldson Foundation is led by Lori Schmidt, President since 2025 (on filings since 2022); none of the 3 officers listed in 2025 report compensation.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Lori Schmidt
President
Treasurer → President, 2025
On filings since 2022
10 hrs/week
No compensation reported
David Green
Treasurer
New on the 2025 filing
10 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Mark Chamberlain
Secretary
New on the 2025 filing
10 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (8)
- Former: Sarah Swenson (2022–2024) — President
- Former: Lisa Evans (2023–2024) — Secretary
- Former: Nathalye Blok (2020–2022) — President
- Former: Sandy Nies (2022) — Director
- Former: Sarah Wandrey (2022) — Secretary
- Former: Ryan Callahan (2020–2021) — Secretary
- Former: Allie Boyat (2021) — Director
- Former: Dave Mulder (2020) — Treasurer
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Frequently asked questions about Donaldson Foundation
How much does Donaldson Foundation give each year?
Donaldson Foundation gave $1.3M across 73 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2024 it gave $1.2M across 57 grants.
What is Donaldson Foundation's typical grant size?
Donaldson Foundation's median grant in 2025 was $10,000, and its average grant was $18,358, across 73 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
Where does Donaldson Foundation give grants?
Donaldson Foundation gives mostly in Minnesota: 79% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The next largest state was Wisconsin (6%). The most frequent recipient cities were Minneapolis, MN (18 grants), St. Paul, MN (13 grants), Bloomington, MN (4 grants) and Greeneville, TN (4 grants).
Does Donaldson Foundation give general operating support?
Yes: 21% of Donaldson Foundation's 2025 grants with a stated purpose (15 of 73) were for general or operating support, per its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Recurring purposes include "Contribution provided" (56 grants).
Who are Donaldson Foundation's largest grantees?
Donaldson Foundation's largest 2025 grantees include Greater Twin Cities United Way ($205,000), Special Olympics ($150,000) and Scholarship America ($133,000), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 36% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is Donaldson Foundation?
Donaldson Foundation reported $9.2M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $1.3M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $444K (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does Donaldson Foundation fund?
The Foundation’s mission is to positively impact communities by supporting and investing in education. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Donaldson Foundation?
The Foundation’s website instructs applicants to submit the Minnesota Common Grant Application, a proposal, and proof of 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Donaldson Foundation's EIN?
Donaldson Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 41-6052950. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2025.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(7)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS February 11, 2021)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS December 9, 2021)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS December 8, 2022)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS December 13, 2023)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS December 12, 2024)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS December 10, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2025
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Donaldson Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders with grantees in common, and similar funders in Minnesota
The Minneapolis Foundation
Minneapolis, MN
The Minneapolis Foundation funds civic, social, and economic needs, including economic mobility, education, health, the environment, arts, and human services, with most grant dollars going to Minnesota. Its 2025 grants had a median of $25,000, though amounts varied widely. It says no funding opportunities are currently open; whether it accepts unsolicited requests is not stated.
Assets
$1.2B
Grants
1,565
Total Given
$121.7M
Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation
St. Paul, MN
The Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation funds community-led work in areas including economic opportunity, health and human services, youth and education, housing, and organizational capacity. Its 2025 grants had a median of $26,000; listed programs offer up to $50,000 for eligible East Metro work and up to $15,000 for qualifying Minnesota organizations. It accepts applications through specific programs, including rolling application opportunities; the Community Solutions Grant Program serves Dakota, Ramsey, and Washington counties.
Assets
$1.7B
Grants
1,473
Total Given
$107.2M
The Richard M Schulze Family Foundation
Minneapolis, MN
The Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation funds education, health care, and human services, including college scholarships, with most support benefiting working- and middle-class families in specified Minnesota and Florida counties; it also makes some national grants. Its 2024 grants had a median of $5,000, though awards ranged from $50 to $10 million. It plans to move to invitation-only grantmaking in 2027; whether it currently accepts unsolicited requests is not stated.
Assets
$218.3M
Grants
1,431
Total Given
$47.9M
Otto Bremer Trust
St. Paul, MN
The Otto Bremer Trust funds organizations and projects addressing community needs and opportunities, including health care and social services, in Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, and Wisconsin. In 2025, grants ranged from $3,500 to $4.2 million, with a median of $150,000. It does not accept unsolicited requests or direct grant applications; Community Responsive Fund grants are offered through selected intermediaries.
Assets
$1.4B
Grants
180
Total Given
$57.2M
Wells Fargo Foundation
Minneapolis, MN
Wells Fargo Foundation funds financial opportunity, affordable housing, small business growth, and some other local community needs across national and eligible local communities. Its 2025 grants ranged from $3,000 to $8 million, with a median of $35,000. It does not accept unsolicited requests; eligible organizations may submit a grant interest form to be considered for an invitation.
Assets
$8.6M
Grants
1,376
Total Given
$157.4M
C K Blandin Foundation
Grand Rapids, MN
The C K Blandin Foundation funds rural Minnesota projects that build community wealth, improve rural places, strengthen small communities, and support capacity-building, with a primary focus on the Grand Rapids area. Rural grants are typically $25,000–$150,000; it does not accept unsolicited requests, offering opportunities through invitations or competitive RFPs.
Assets
$506.3M
Grants
931
Total Given
$15.8M
More similar funders
More Funders in Minnesota
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Donaldson Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 10, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/donaldson-foundation-morg_c1d18a2a664241c9acc096b9071fd8ca
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_416052950_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Donaldson Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/donaldson-foundation-morg_c1d18a2a664241c9acc096b9071fd8ca},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-10. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from Donaldson Foundation's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
Donaldson Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?